What do you get when you put Tom Hanks on a Navy ship, surround him with enemy submarines, and give him just 91 minutes to tell the story? You get Greyhound.
A fast-paced war movie that surprised a lot of people. It’s not your typical war film with long speeches and big dramatic moments.
Instead, it focuses on action, accuracy, and tension. Some critics weren’t sure what to make of it, while many viewers couldn’t look away.
Was this simple, intense style a smart choice, or did it leave something out? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s This Movie Actually About
In Greyhound, Tom Hanks plays Commander Ernest Krause, a Navy officer facing his first wartime mission in 1942.
Tasked with protecting a convoy of 37 Allied ships through the deadly “Black Pit” of the Atlantic, an area with no air support and full of hidden German submarines, Krause must lead with courage and quick thinking to save lives.
But Hanks didn’t just act in the film; he wrote the screenplay, produced it, and poured his passion into making the story feel real.
The result is a tense, focused war film with sharp, believable naval dialogue and a strong sense of purpose.
The Critics’ Verdict
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79% from critics
- Metacritic: 64/100
- IMDb: 7.0/10 from regular viewers
But here’s what those numbers actually mean. When critics said the movie had an “efficiently economical approach,” they weren’t being sarcastic; they genuinely meant it as a compliment.
In an era of bloated 2.5-hour blockbusters, a war movie that gets in, tells its story, and gets out in 91 minutes felt revolutionary.
What The Big Names Said About The Movie
Let’s get into some of the most memorable takes from major film critics:
Owen Gleiberman from Variety nailed it:
“Less a drama than a tense and sturdy diary of the logistics of battle…a submarine thriller: tense, tight, boxed-in.” That “boxed-in” feeling is exactly what the movie achieves, you feel trapped on that destroyer with nowhere to run.
RogerEbert.com was more critical:
“Lean, stripped down and tense…historical accuracy makes it entertaining, but sometimes feels more like a lesson than entertainment.” Ouch, but they had a point about the educational vs. entertainment balance.
IndieWire’s David Ehrlich sparked controversy by calling it:
“A terse and streamlined dad movie…offers brief hints at a tortured hero, but is far too preoccupied with staying afloat to profile the guy at the helm in any meaningful way.”
Chicago Tribune’s Michael Phillips had the best analogy:
“Like the canine, [Greyhound is] trim, narrow of scope, and it runs efficiently and well…” Perfect description of both the ship and the movie.
Matt Goldberg from Collider was more enthusiastic:
“A thrilling and captivating ride…brings a fresh perspective to WWII naval stories, even if character focus is minimal.”
Audience Response on Greyhound
Audience reactions to the film were varied but largely positive.
Military history buffs, particularly Navy veterans and World War II enthusiasts, praised its realism and called it one of the most accurate portrayals of convoy warfare.
Casual viewers enjoyed the action and Tom Hanks’ performance, but felt the supporting characters lacked depth.
Many in the streaming generation appreciated the tight 91-minute runtime, finding it well-suited to their busy schedules.
Families also found it suitable for older kids, noting the film’s realistic yet restrained approach to war violence.
Awards & Recognition for Greyhound
| Award | Category | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Academy Award | Best Sound | Well-deserved, as sound plays a key role in submarine warfare scenes |
| BAFTA | Visual Effects | Nominated for impressive and realistic visual execution |
| Satellite Award | Visual Effects | Received nominations for outstanding visual effects |
| Critics’ Choice Award | Visual Effects | Nominated for excellence in visual presentation |
Final Scene
So, what’s the final word on Greyhound?
It’s a short, fast-paced war movie that does exactly what it sets out to do.
Tom Hanks plays a strong, quiet leader, and the action feels real and intense.
You might not remember the side characters, and some scenes feel a bit the same, but it still works as a solid, well-made war film.
Ready for a tense, no-nonsense naval thriller? Hit play on Greyhound and experience the mission for yourself.
